Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Congress Questions Fadnavis Over Missing Link Project
Mumbai-Pune Expressway – Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Friday criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link project, alleging that the Chief Minister’s response to opposition concerns reflected excessive confidence and disregard for criticism. Sapkal spoke to reporters in Buldhana after a recent landslide at the project site triggered renewed questions about construction safety and project oversight.
Congress Responds to Assembly Remarks
Sapkal referred to Fadnavis’s defence of the project in the Maharashtra Assembly, where the Chief Minister had responded strongly to opposition criticism. The Congress leader objected to Fadnavis’s repeated assertion that he had built the Missing Link, saying that such language gave an individual credit for a public infrastructure project funded through government resources.
According to Sapkal, the project was not created through personal wealth or private assets, and public works should not be presented as the achievement of a single political leader. He said the Chief Minister’s remarks showed what he described as an unnecessary sense of personal ownership over the project.
Dispute Over Opposition Criticism
The Congress leader also reacted to comments in which Fadnavis reportedly described opposition critics as lacking knowledge or understanding. Sapkal said elected representatives have the right to seek explanations about public spending, construction quality and safety concerns.
He argued that raising questions about a major road project should not be dismissed as political ignorance. Sapkal said the government must respond to criticism with facts and transparency, particularly when infrastructure projects face technical problems or unexpected incidents.
The Missing Link project is intended to improve travel between Mumbai and Pune by reducing congestion and travel time on the existing expressway route. However, the recent landslide and reports of water leakage in tunnel sections have led opposition parties to demand closer scrutiny of the work.
Remarks on Political Opposition
Sapkal also criticised Fadnavis over a reported statement that the opposition could disappear from Maharashtra politics within the next decade. He said such comments were inconsistent with democratic values, arguing that a functioning opposition is essential for accountability in government.
He maintained that political competition and public criticism are part of a democratic system and should not be treated as obstacles to development. Sapkal said the ruling party should focus on addressing concerns surrounding public projects rather than making predictions about the future of political rivals.
Assembly Language Draws Objection
The Congress leader also raised objections to language allegedly used during Assembly proceedings. Sapkal said words such as “thobaad” and “kutra”, reportedly directed at opposition members, were not appropriate for the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
He said the Assembly should remain a forum for serious debate on governance and public policy. Sapkal added that the tone used by senior leaders can influence the standard of political discussion both inside and outside the House.
Demand for Transparency in Major Projects
Addressing allegations related to the Missing Link and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Sapkal called for greater transparency in major infrastructure works. He said concerns about tunnel leakage, construction quality and expenditure should be examined openly instead of being treated as partisan attacks.
Sapkal also challenged Fadnavis to undergo a Narco Analysis test along with him, claiming that such a process could reveal the truth behind allegations of corruption in the two projects. His demand came as part of a broader political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over infrastructure development, public safety and accountability.
The state government has defended the Missing Link project and maintained that the work is being carried out with necessary technical supervision. The issue is expected to remain part of Maharashtra’s political discussion as construction progresses and opposition parties continue to seek answers over the recent incident.